“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

Photo for the week. Comments welcome.

Sunday, 05/04/2024: Posted photo — USS Constitution.

Built in Boston and launched in 1797, USS CONSTITUTION is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today. During the War of 1812 the ship gained fame and its name “Old Ironsides.” The USS Constitution remains both a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy, as well as an educational experience for visitors.

Here are some facts: The USS Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797 at Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts and first sailed July 22, 1798 from Boston Harbor. As I was walking away for the ship, after taking these photos, I heard the canons go off and Reveille being played. Then the sailors came off the ship to do their exercises. What a great experience.

Monday, 05/06/2024: Posted photo — Onions.

I cancelled my hike tonight since I had some people sign up and then drop out. I was in Boston all weekend taking my wilderness first aid re-certification class, so I took the opportunity to switch my hiking day until tomorrow. I told myself that I would hike with the Tuesday night group once a month and it has been three months since I hiked with them.

While shopping, I saw these colorful onions. Onions are not high on my food intake list, but I did like the colors. These are yellow onions, white onions, red onions, and vidalia onions.

Tuesday, 05/07/2024: Posted photo — Hiking.

Today I hiked with the Tuesday night group for the first time in a while. This is an invitation only group of experienced hikers. We did a four mile loop around the mountain. I had an opportunity to verify bearing at a few trail junctions. I needed to verify these bearings for my map and compass navigation class I will be teaching in a few weeks.

It is always great to get out and hike with different people. This group knows me as the person who broke his ankle. At the summit, I met more of my friends in the hiking community. One of those people finished his trace of Wachusett Mountain in his kilts. Sorry, no photos of him.

Wednesday, 05/08/2024: Posted photo — Path of Freedom (Freedom Trail).

Boston’s iconic 2.5 mile-Freedom Trail connects 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure. The sites are the Boston Common (Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park), Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.

I have visited most of these sites in my life. One day I will take the short 2.5 mile hike to these historic sites in one journey.

Thursday, 05/09/2024: Posted photo — Sugar Maple.

Earlier this year I posted a photo of the sugar maple starting to bud. Here is some progress.

The leaves are starting to bud after some rain and warmer weather.

Friday, 05/10/2024: Post photo — Bluet.

Also called Quaker Ladies, their sweet petite blossoms attract Little Carpenter bees, Green Metallic bees, small butterflies, and the Meadow Fritillary Butterfly.

These wildflowers are in my lawn. If the weather is good tomorrow, I will cut my lawn for the first time this year.

Saturday, 05/11/2024: Post photo — Northern Lights.

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, have been on my photo bucket list. I always thought that I would have to travel to see them. If they are in this area, they are close to the horizon, not very bright, and not high in the sky.

 Last night I had the opportunity to see them and photograph them. I was unprepared to photograph them since I normally do research on camera setting. I had my camera and cellphone with me and no tripod or monopod, these photos are either handheld or with my cellphone. I heard talk about the northern lights happening soon but did not realize it was last night until a friend of mine posted photos from his house.

My cell phone has a night setting, so I had to test it out. I am happy about these photos but not overwhelmed by these photos. Next time I will be more prepared. It is amazing that I saw a total solar eclipse and the northern light just about a month apart. Normally there is cloud cover when events like this happen.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.